Ice cream is not always bad for you - in fact it can have some key health benefits

Ice cream, a popular dessert and snack choice, surprisingly boasts some significant health benefits when consumed in moderation, according to diet and nutrition experts. Despite its high fat and sugar content, ice cream is also a rich source of calcium and protein, making it a healthier option compared to many other sweet treats.

Calcium plays a crucial role in maintaining strong bones and teeth, as well as promoting muscle health. Some ice creams can provide as much protein as an egg.

The key ingredients in ice cream make it a superior choice over certain sweets and cakes that are laden with similar amounts of fat and sugar but lack the beneficial nutrients.

The nutrients present in ice cream help balance out the sugars, resulting in a lower sugar spike and reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, provided ice cream is eaten in moderation. Dietitian Shelley Balls informed Yahoo Life that two-thirds of a cup of dairy ice cream contains about 12 per cent of the daily recommended intake of calcium.

She expressed: "It's great news that when we decide to enjoy a sweet treat, it can also provide some nutritional benefits.", reports Wales Online.

Dietitian Stephanie Van't Zelfden highlighted that the combination of moderate fat and protein makes ice cream a suitable option for diabetics as it 'reduces blood sugar spikes that you might see when eating lower fat desserts like sorbet'. Being made with milk and cream, ice cream can also be a good source of various vitamins such as A, D, and B12, which are essential for overall health.

Psychologist Dr Lisa Lieberman explained the science behind our love for ice cream, stating: "When we eat ice cream, our bodies release feel-good hormones such as dopamine and serotonin that play important roles in our brain and bodies.

"These neurotransmitters help us to feel pleasure or happiness and keep us feeling awake or alert. They also play a role in digestion and sleep."